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Little Miss America 

and 

The Happy Children 

A "Jingle History of the United States 
A Patriotic Play in One Act 



By 
MARY MONCURE PARKER 

Author of **Art Clubs Are Trumps^''' etCo 



NOTICE 

The professional stage and moving picture rights in this play 
are reserved by the author, and all persons wishing to produce 
it publicly and for profit should apply for permission to the 
author in care of the publishers. Amateurs may produce it 
without permission. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1918 



Little Miss America 

and c^^^^<^' 

The Happy Children^ " ' "^^ 



CHARACTERS 

Miss America. Christopher Columbus. 

Columbia. History. 

England. Large Girl [representing 

France. Mother Country). 

Italy. Small Child [representing 

Russia. Colon ies ) . 

Belgium. Chinese Girl. 

North American Indian. Commodore Perry. 

Quaker. Uncle Sam. 

Holland. Teacher. 

Spain. Four Pupils. 

Americus Vespucius. 

NOTE 

This one act play is a Happy Little History Play, that can be 
given by children or older boys and girls, or even by grown-ups, 
masquerading as children. It may be given upon a bare stage, 
witii five chairs and a blackboard, the children wearing their 
ordinary costumes, using only large lettered pieces of pasteboard 
to show the characters which they represent, and the play may be 
given by all girls, or by boys and girls. 

It may be given in a more elaborate manner, the costumes of 
the various characters may be used, such as English, French, 
Holland, Indian, etc., or just bright colored paper caps and sashes 
may be used, this being according to the desire of those staging 
the play. It is the wish of the author to give those pariicipatmg 
a happy play, that is also instructive, and that may be easily 
staged. During the reading by Miss America, children either 
seated in chairs around the room, or on the floor. 

The Author. 




THP96-C06845 

Copyright, 191 8, by Mary Moncure Parker 
As author and proprietor 

All rights reserved 

,,,^ ©ao 50270 
AUG 30 1918 



^K t- 



Little Miss America 

and 

The Happy Children 



SCENE. — A schoolroom. Blackboard and chairs for five 
people, or, if desired, a number of other chairs. These 
chairs will have to be removed for the march, so it is 
desirable to have a fewer number. 

Enter four Pupils with school-books. They sit down in 
the chairs. 

First Pupil {yawning). Oh, dear, I have the spring 
fever. I would rather play to-day. 

Second Pupil. So would I. 

Third Pupil {imitating Treacher's voice). Children, 
children, I am astonished. You should love your school 
and your teacher. 

Fourth Pupil. What is it this morning? 

First Pupil. History. 

Second Pupil. I hate History; she is so old and she 
is such an old bore. 

Enter the Teacher. 

Teacher. Good-morning, children. I know you are 
happy to be here. 

All {slowly, with long faces). Yes, Teacher. 

{A knock is heard at the door. Enter History. She 
wears a white dress with a black cape and black 
bonnet and glasses, and walks slowly with a cane. ) 

Teacher. Good-morning, History. 
History. Good-morning, Teacher. Good-morning, 
children. 



4 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

(Children rise and make a curtsey.) 

Children. Good-morning, History. 

History. I came to see if you would excuse me this 
morning. I am getting old and I have the rheumatism. 
I thought I would go back home and come to-morrow. 
I am getting so nervous that I feel a little shaky about my 
dates lately, so I think it would be better for me to rest. 

Third Pupil {excitedly). Oh, good! (Teacher 
looks up reprovingly.) I mean good gracious — I am so 
sorry. 

Teacher. We are very sorry that you are not well, 
History, and of course we will excuse you. 

History {bowing). Good-day, Teacher. Good-day, 
children. 

{The Children curtsey and History goes out slowly.) 

Fourth Pupil. May we be dismissed, Teacher? 

Teacher. Certainly not. Do you wish to grow up 
quite ignorant of the past and quite unprepared for the 
future? Let me see — what shall we do this morning? 
{The Children sit down and look discontented. A 
knock is heard at the door.) Pray come in. 

Enter Miss America and Columbia. // a special cos- 
tume is worn, America wears a zvhite dress, with a 
red Liberty cap and a blue sash. Columbia wears 
white with a red Liberty cap. Her name is pinned 
across her breast. These decorations may be of 
paper, cloth or silk. 

Miss America. Good-morning. I just met History 
and she told me of her troubles, so Columbia and I came 
to help out. We cannot have our dear children lose a 
history lesson. 

Teacher. Oh, thank you so much. This is Miss 
America and Columbia, children. {The Children rise 
and curtsey.) The children will be glad to have their 
lesson, will you not, children? 

All the Pupils {together, slowly). Yes, Teacher. 

{They sit down.) 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 5 

Miss America. Oh, you do not say that very cheer- 
fully, children. Well, let me see if we cannot make our 
lesson interesting. I have everything planned, as His- 
tory has been growing old and sometimes I am afraid she 
repeats herself and may be a little prosy, so I have made 
some new arrangements. You shall see. I have ar- 
ranged for a patriotic tea. 

(Recites or reads. As there are a number of verses, if 
she does not care to memorize them, they may he 
read. ) 

Little Miss America 

Gave a Patriotic Tea 

To her Allies, to relate to them 

Our U. S. History. 

(Speaks.) There! I hope you will like that verse and 
all of the others. Of course, we will not really have tea, 
or even cups and saucers, but we will just pretend thus. 
(Makes a cup of her hand and pretends to drink.) It 
will be nice to pretend and then there will be no dishes to 
wash. (Claps her hands together. Enter England, 
France, Italy, Russia and Belgium. They may zuear 
paper sashes of the colors of their various countries, or a 
more elaborate representative costume may be worn. 
The name of each country must be printed or written in 
large letters and pinned on the breast of each character.) 
Dear friends, let me introduce England, France, Italy, 
Russia and Belgium. (They bow and the pupils curtsey.) 
Pray be seated. 

(The pupils offer chairs to the various countries. 
Reads. ) 

We'll drink tea and each relate 
Things that the others ought to know 
About our ship of state. 

(Speaks.) Shall I begin? Oh, thank you. (Reads.) 

Miss Columbia will serve us. 
Pray let her fill your cup. 



6 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

(Columbia pretends to pass the tea and the others pre- 
tend to drink.) 

It is harmless and most friendly 
In this pleasant way to sup. 

Now let me see, once on a time 
As all good stories go, 
America was an unknown land, 
Our History tells us so. 

^ Old Norsemen used to come across 

And sail along the coast ; 
Just what it was they did not know 
Though of their deeds they'd boast. 

These wild sea rovers went away, 
They did not colonize; 
Through their clumsy fingers 
There slipped this mighty prize. 

Finally Columbus bold. 
Who sailed from Spain away, 
After many tribulations 
Landed here one splendid day. 

(A knock is heard at the door.) 

Enter Columbus, %vho may he in costume, or if not con- 
venient, may just have the name pinned across the 
breast. He goes looking about the stage as though 
in search of some one and finally comes up to 
America. 

Columbus. Ah, dear lady, I am quite sure the world 
is round, but everybody laughs at me. 

Miss America. You are quite right, Columbus. 

(A knock is heard at the door.) 

Enter Americus Vespucius, who wears the name across 
his breast. 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 7 

{Reads.) 

Americus Vespucitis, 
Later known to fame, 
Though not the real discoverer 
Bestowed on us his name. 

(Americus Vespucius hands America a pasteboard 
containing the name, ''America." She looks at 
Columbus, zvho shakes his head and walks sadly 
away. Speaks. ) 

I am very sorry, Columbus, but this is my name. 

{She pins it on her breast.) 

Columbus. This is a very ungrateful world. I really 
discovered America, you know. 

(Columbia goes over to him.) 

Miss Columbia. You see you are really not for- 
gotten, Columbus. My name is Columbia. ** 

(Americus Vespucius, stepping proudly, goes to the 
side of the stage opposite the place occupied by 
Columbus.) 

Miss America {reads). 

From every land came colonists 

To settle this new world. 

North, South and East and Middle West 

Their banners were unfurled. 

Some came for conquest and for gold, 
Some v/ith a motive higher ; 
To worship each in his own way 
Was the Puritan desire. 

English and French came to our shores 
Across the ranging main. 
The Dutchman settled in New York, 
The South belonged to Spain, 



8 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

(A knock is heard at the door. Speaks.) 

Pray enter. (Enter little Holland Girl and a Spanish 
Girl. They may wear costumes of their country or 
simply have the names Spain or Holland pinned across 
their breasts.) Oh, how do you do? This is Holland 
and Spain. 

(They bow and Columbia conducts them to a seat. 
There may be a rozv of chairs around the room, or if 
only the five chairs are used, the children may be 
seated on the floor in semicircle, some going to one 
side of the stage as they enter, and some to the other 
to make an artistic picture.) 

(Reads.) 

There were Quakers, quaint and silent folk 
Under good William Penn. 
You will ne'er remember all the names 
Of our strong and sturdy men. 

(A knock at the door. Speaks.) 

Some one else. Pray come in. (Enter Quaker Girl, 
zvearing gray gown, zvhite kerchief and cap.) Oh, how 
do you do, Quaker maiden ? This is our Quaker maiden, 
everybody. 

(The Quakeress clasps her hands together and gives 
a stiff little bow. Columbia seats her.) 

(Reads.) 

We had trouble with the Indians, 
Who resented our intrusion 
Upon the place they felt they owned. 
But this was a delusion. 

Because they did not use the land 
And life must mean progression 
We were not fair to Indian tribes, 
I make that sad confession. 

(A loud yelling and pounding is heard at the door. All 
start up nervously, clinging to each other.) 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 9 

Heavens, what's that ! Never mind, be cahii, everybody. 
I'm used to all kinds of surprises. Columbia, pray go to 
the door. 

(Columbia opens the door and in rushes an Indian, 
yelling. ) 

Indian. Wow, Hoo ! Wow, Hoo ! 

{Runs around the stage. Some of the others scream 
and hide their faces.) 

Miss 'America. Oh, do not be afraid. I have made 
him harmless. There, Mr. Indian, go sit down by Colum- 
bus, who was always kind to you, and pray keep quiet. 
We are trying to have a history lesson. 

(Columbus takes the Indian hy the arm and seats him 
down beside him. The rest are seated again.) 

(Reads.) 

Yet with such strong elements 
A fine people came to view, 
Fearless and vigorous pioneers 
Who built this nation new. 

Then came the French and Indian Wars. 
Please pardon me, Lliss France. 

(The Indian jumps up and calls " IVozv," looking to- 
ward France. France rises as though to chide the 
Indian, hut Columbus pulls the Indian hack and 
France sits down again.) 

(Reads.) 

I must tell the truth but hasten on. 
This is History at a glance. 

Our next great war — Miss England, 
Forgive me the allusion — 
Was in seventeen hundred seventy-six. 
We resented the intrusion 

Of too much Mother Country 
Into our household ways. 
The Revolutionary War 
Brought on most trying days. 



10 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

We were victorious and free, 
A babe without its mother, 
Who tries to walk alone and finds 
That walking is a bother. 

{A knock is heard at the door. Enter Large Girl and 
Child, with the names pinned on their breast, 
*' Mother Country " and the " Colonies." Child 
runs away from Large Girl, zvho pursues it.) 

Large Girl {holding up switch). Come here to me; 
you cannot walk alone. 

Child. I can — see. 

Miss America. Pray stop. Mother Country. Your 
child can walk alone now. 

Miss Columbia. I will seat you. 

(She puts Large Girl and Child on opposite sides of 
the stage.) 

Miss America. 

Soon we grew stronger and with tread 
Firm and with heads held high 
We developed to a nation, 
Looked the vv^orld straight in the eye. 

I could tell the names of patriots 
And wise men by the score; 
Names are quite easy to forget 
I do not want to bore ; 

So ril just name our presidents 
From Washington to Hayes ; 
From Hayes right down to Wilson, 
They all deserve our praise. 

George Washington, the General 
Was our first president. 
Elected seventeen eighty-nine 
A man from Heaven sent. 

(Speaks.) Columbia, pray hand me the name of our 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPV CHILDREN II 

president. (Columbia hands pasteboard to America, 
having the name George Washington upon it.) Now, 
children, three cheers for our first president — everybody 
all together. 

All (cheering). George Washington! (Applaud.) 
Miss America (reads). 

Kind, unswerving, first in peace 

As well as first in war, 

And first in the hearts of his countrymen. 

His fame reached near and far. 

Flags fluttered from the housetops, 
Cannons boomed — cheer after cheer 
Proclaimed a joyous freedom, 
In our first presidential year. 

Two terms he served, refused the third. 
John Adams was elected. 
Well qualified to take the helm. 
Noble, good and much respected. 

(Speaks.) Columbia, please bring me the name of John 
Adams. (Columbia brings name.) Children, give three 
cheers for our next president, John Adams. 
All (cheer). John Adams! (Applaud.) 
Miss America (reads). 

Our Independence Declaration 
Of seventeen seventy- six 
Was written by John Adams. 
Please try the date to fix. 

Mr. Adams was our president 
Until eighteen hundred one. 
Then in office was succeeded 
By Thomas Jefferson. 

(Speaks.) Columbia, please bring the name of Thomas 
Jefferson. (Columbia brings name.) Everybody ap- 
plaud our next president, all together — one — two — three. 
All (cheer). Thomas Jefferson. (Applaud.) 



12 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

Miss America (reads). 

I must not take up too much time 
But hasten with my story. 
At this period was the purchase 
Of the Louisiana Territory, 

From you, Miss France. Napoleon 
Sold us that w^estern tract. 

(France rises and bows and everybody applauds.) 

Then came Mediterranean troubles 
Settled with a final pact. 

The Clarke-Lewis Expedition 
Explored to Oregon. 
Robert Fulton made a steamboat 
Called the Clermont, the first one. 

(Speaks.) Oh, Teacher, would you please write on the 
blackboard all these things of importance, so we w^ill be 
sure to remember them ? ( The Teacher rises and writes 
on the blackboard.) Thank you. Please write George 
Washington and John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. 
Don't forget, children, that we bought a large slice of land 
from France called the Louisiana Territory during the 
administration of Jefferson, and then the two men by the 
name of Clarke and Lewis went exploring through the 
West. 

Small Child (representing Colonies). What does 
explored mean? 

Large Girl (representing Mother Country; holding 
up switch). Be quiet. 

Small Child. I do not have to mind you now. I can 
walk alone. 

Miss America. Explorers were people who went over 
this new country to find out just what was in it. They 
were very brave, as there were lots of dangers and many 
Indians. 

Indian (jumping up and yelling). AVow, wow! 

Columbia. Sit down and be quiet. (He sits dozvn.) 

Miss America. Children, please remember Robert 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 1 3 

Fulton. You know he made the first steamboat. If he 
had not, we would have all had to go in canoes or row- 
boats, or a sailboat, and that would be slow, would it not ? 
(Reads.) 

James Madison was next in line 

From eighteen nine for eight years more. 

The war of eighteen hundred twelve 

Came to settle many a score. 

(Speaks.) Columbia, pray bring the name of James 
Madison, and, Teacher, will you please write the name 
on the blackboard? Now, children, all together, cheer 
our next president, James Madison. 

All (cheer). James Madison! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. I really must ask pardon of England 
for mentioning the war of eighteen twelve. We are 
allies now, you know, and all the same family, but some- 
times families disagree. You'll pardon me, England. 
(England rises and bows.) As I take the place of His- 
tory to-day, I must tell you the truth. Commodore Perry 
won victories on the water at this time, just as John Paul 
Jones did in the Revolutionary days. (A knock is heard 
at the door.) Pray enter. 

Enter Boy in sailor costume. 

Boy. How do you do, everybody? I am Commodore 
Perry. 

(This character may be taken by a girl also.) 

Miss America. Commodore Perry — everybody. (All 
rise and bow. Columbia seats Perry at one side of the 
stage as the rest applaud.) Children, we have now an- 
other wonderful name that I want you to remember. 
Teacher, will you kindly write the name on the black- 
board of Francis Scott Key, who wTOte the Star Spangled 
Banner. (Teacher zvrites; all applaud.) 

(Note. — // music is procurable, then it may be played 
to the verse of the " Star Spangled Banner," which is 
now sung. All rise and sing one verse of the "Star 
Spangled Banner " and Columbia waves a flag. All 
seated.) 



14 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

Miss America (reads). 

James Monroe succeeded Madison; 
It was an era of good feeling, 
The famous doctrine of Monroe 
Showed a desire for just deahng. 

(Speaks.) Miss Columbia, will you please bring the 
name of James Monroe, and, Teacher, will you kindly 
write it on the blackboard? Everybody please applaud 
the name of our next president. 

(Columbia brings name James Monroe, and Teacher 
writes. ) 

All (cheer). James Monroe! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. I think this must have been a wonder- 
ful time and everybody must have been happy. (Reads.) 

A canal was built from Albany 
Way through to Buffalo. 
There were troubles with the Seminoles 
We still had the Indian foe. 

Indian (jumps up and yells). Wow! w^ow! 

(Columbus pidls him down.) 

Miss America. Pray be quiet, Indian, or I shall have 
to send you away. (Reads.) 

Lafayette, beloved Frenchman, 
Came again unto our shore. 
Right royally we feted him 
In eighteen twenty-four. 

In the early days of struggles 

Side by side with Washington 

He had fought, endured and helped us 

Until our goal was won. 

(Speaks.) We thank you, Miss France, for Lafayette. 
(France rises and bows.) Everybody please rise and do 
honor to Lafayette. 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN I5 

(All rise and applaud. If there is music, the ''Mar- 
seillalse" might be played here. All seated.) 

(Reads.) 

John Ouincy Adams followed next 
As president in twenty-five; 
Eighteen twenty-five to twenty-nine. 
The U. S. now did thrive. 

(Speaks.) Columbia, please bring the name of John 
Ouincy Adams, and. Teacher, please write it. 

(Columbia brings name; Teacher writes.) 

All (cheer). John Ouincy Adams! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. You know, children, we had our first 
anniversary in this administration. Just think of it, fifty 
years since the first Fourth of July in '76. America had 
grown from a puny child to a big nation. (All applaud.) 
I am glad you feel happy; so do I. (Small Child, 
representing Colonies, jumps up and runs around stage, 
pursued by Large Girl, representing Mother Country. 
Columbia takes girl back to her place, and then seats the 
child on the opposite side of the stage. ) Andrew Jackson 
followed Adams as the leader of our nation. (Reads.) 

A military hero. 
Intelligent, though rough, 
Honest, tactless, man of iron, 
He was made of sturdy stuff. 

(Speaks.) Columbia, please bring the name of our next 
president, Andrew Jackson, and. Teacher, please write it. 
Everybody cheer. 

All (cheer). Andrew Jackson! (Applaud.) 
Miss America (speaks). We had now a very won- 
derful orator, Daniel Webster; do not forget his nam.e, 
children. And then came another president. Van Buren — 
Martin Van Buren. Columbia, please bring the name — 
Teacher, please write, and, children, applaud our next 
president. 

AiA. (cheer). Martin Van Buren I (Applaud.) 



l6 LITTLE MISS AMtRICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

Miss America {speaks). We did not have a very 
good time, children, during Mr. Van Buren's administr?- 
t:on, because there v/as a money panic, and it is hard to 
get along without m.oney. But things were brighter 
during the next administration. Columbia, please bring 
the name of our next president, William Henry Harrison, 
and. Teacher, please write — and everybody applaud. 
All {cheer). William Henry Harrison ! {Applaud.) 
Miss America. Charles Dickens, the English novelist, 
came over to see us and write about America, and then 
we had a treaty with a country away across the ocean, 
China. {A knock is heard at the door, and Columbia 
opens it. Enter China. She may wear a Chinese cos- 
tume, or just a name pinned on her breast.) Oh, China, 
how do you do ? We are glad to see you. This is China. 

{Everybody bows but no one rises.) 

China. How do evly body. Me washee for you. 

Miss America. Oh, thank you, China, we shall be 
glad to keep clean. Pray be seated. (Columbia seals 
China.) All this time, children, we have been growing 
and adding a lot of territories and states. {Reads.) 

After Harrison came James K. Polk, 
Eighteen forty-five to forty-nine. 
Then came troubles grave with Mexico 
Across our boundary line. 

{Speaks.) Columbia, please bring the name of our next 
president, and, Teacher, please write it — James K. Polk. 
Now, children, all applaud. 

All {cheer). James K.Polk! {Applaud.) 
Miss America. As we were growing, children, it was 
natural that we should have growing pains, so that is the 
reason we had trouble with Mexico, but we won that 
time. We have had some trouble since, but I hope these 
border troubles will soon cease. Then something else 
happened now, children ; everybody went crazy about gold. 
They found gold in California, and everybody had the 
gold fever. That was in eighteen forty-nine. Now we 
have another president, Zachary Taylor. Columbia, will 



IMPORTANT 



By a regrettable blunder all mention was omitted 
from the text of this play of the Presidency of John 
Tyler. The following correction to page l6 should 
be made by all persons producing the piece. 

After the line : 

All {chee?') . William Henry Harrison. {Applaud.) 

Miss America. Children, I feel very sad when I 
have to tell you that Mr. Harrison lived only one 
month after his inauguration and his Vice President, 
John Tyler, succeeded. Now, children — all to- 
gether; let us cheer John Tyler. 

All. (cheer) . John Tyler. C Applaud) . 

Miss America. Charles Dickens, the English nove- 
hst, etc. 



■.M 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 1 7 

}^ou please bring that name and, Teacher, write it? 
Everybody applaud. 

All {cheer). Zachary Taylor ! {Applaud.) 

Miss America. I'm so sorry to tell you, children, that 
Zachary Taylor only lived a year. He was a brave sol- 
dier and we were very sorry when he died. Our next 
president was Millard Fillmore, and the next one Frank- 
lin Pierce. We'll write both those names together. 
Columbia, please bring them and. Teacher, write them. 
Everybody applaud. 

All {cheer). Millard Fillmore! Franklin Pierce! 
{Applaud.) 

Miss America. We had a treaty with Japan about 
this time, made through another Commodore Perry, the 
son of the first Commodore Perry. (Commodore Perry 
rises and salutes and America returns the salute.) Now, 
children, we had a very dignified president, James 
Buchanan. I want you all to applaud his name, and, 
Columbia, bring it, please, and. Teacher, write it. Now, 
one, two, three. 

All {cheer). James Buchanan! {Applaud.) 

Miss America. Now, children, the most wonderful 
thing was done about this time — the Atlantic Cable was 
laid by Cyrus Field. Everybody said he could not do it, 
but Field said he could. You know about Robert Bruce 
and the spider, " Try, try again." That's the way the 
spider spun his web after a lot of failures and that's the 
way Field laid the cable, and now we can talk away 
across the ocean. 

Quaker Girl. Dear me ! Things never happened like 
that in my day. 

Columbus. Nor m.ine, but anyhow I discovered 
America. If I hadn't, nobody could have talked across 
the ocean from this country. 

Americus Vespucius. Don't forget that I gave the 
name to America. 

Miss America. There, there, do not quarrel, please. 
We next have a wonderful man — Columbia, please bring 
the name of our next president — Abraham Lincol^i — and, 
Teacher, write it. Everybody cheer. 

All {cheer). Abraham Lincoln! {Applaud.) 



1 8 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

Miss America. Lincoln was a good and noble man 
and freed the slaves, but I am so sorry to tell you that 
at this time we had Civil War. (Reads.) 

Civil War, that awful thing 
When brother fought with brother. 
We'll pray with all our might and main 
We may never have another. 

Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves, 
I sadly must relate 
He was martyred in the cause. 
The world bemoaned his fate. 

(Speaks.) Children, I am going to ask you all to bow 
your heads for just one moment, for our martyred pres- 
ident, Abraham Lincoln. (All bow heads until America 
[to herself] has counted about five, then all lift their 
heads.) Now^ the next president who comes had a very 
stormy time. He was a good man, honest and patriotic, 
but he did not get along with his Congress, and quarreled 
with them from morning until night. The best thing 
that I remember about this time was that we bought 
Alaska. Johnson was a good man and our president, and 
we'll cheer him even if he did not get along with Con- 
gress. Columbia, please bring the name of Andrew 
Johnson, and, Teacher, write it, and everybody cheer. 
All (cheer). Andrew Johnson ! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. Now comes a man that I know you 
will want to cheer. He was a soldier and a patriot, and 
our next president. Columbia, please bring his name and, 
Teacher, write it, and everybody applaud — Ulysses S. 
Grant. 

All (cheer). Ulysses S. Grant! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. The world is full of wonders, chil- 
dren, so we have another marvelous invention : Mr. Bell 
invented the telephone, that mystery of wire. (Reads.) 

Mystery of poles and conversation! 
You just go to a wall 
And talk to people miles aw^ay 
By putting in a call. 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN I9 

First Pupil {putting up her hand as though to tele- 
phone across the stage to Second Pupil). Hello! I 
like this lesson, don't you, and I hope History doesn't 
come back again. 

Second Pupil (answering) . Yes, so do I. 
Miss America. I am glad you like the lesson, pupils, 
but do not be hard on History. As I told you, children, 
this is another great invention. Away back in 1844, 
Professor Samuel Morse invented the telegraph, and 
then we had the cable, and now we have the telephone. 
Our next president was Mr. Rutherford B. Hayes. 
Columbia, will you please bring his name and. Teacher, 
write it, then, children, applaud. Please do not applaud 
until I tell you, because it makes too much confusion, 
children. Now. 

All (cheer). Rutherford B. Hayes! (Appl(^ud.) 
Miss America. We have now another great inven- 
tion. People used to use candles in the long time ago, 
and then coal oil, and then gas, but now we have a won- 
derful light, the electric light, so you see how fortunate 
we are. I feel very sad when I tell you about our next 
president. He was a good, noble man. Columbia, please 
bring his name, and, Teacher, write it. Then everybody 
applaud, — James A. Garfield. 

All (cheer). James A. Garfield! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. I am sorry to say that our good pres- 
ident was wickedly murdered by a bad man, and then 
his vice-president took the chair — Mr. Chester Arthur. 
Columbia, will you bring his name and. Teacher, write it ? 
Applaud, children. 

All (cheer). Chester Arthur ! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. All the while we were growing, chil- 
dren, adding more states and territories, do not forget 
that, and then something very splendid was given to us 
during the next administration. Miss France, will you 
rise, so that we can all thank you for the splendid statue 
of Liberty, given by your sculptor, Bartholdi. Please 
applaud, everybody. (France rises and curtseys;. 
America curtseys and everybody applauds.) I am going 
to have you applaud two presidents together, because the 
first one was in four years and then the second one was 



20 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

in four years, and then the first one came back again for 
four years more. Grover Cleveland and William Henry 
Harrison's grandson, Benjamin Harrison, are the two 
presidents. Both good, clever men. Columbia, please 
bring their names and. Teacher, please w^rite them. 
Wait, children, do not be too eager. Now applaud. 

All {cheer). Grover Cleveland! Benjamin Har- 
rison! {Applaud.) 

Miss America {reads). 

William McKinley follows next, 

Beloved — Ohio's son. 

The war with Spain in ninety-eight 

Was fought and Dew^ey won. 

{Speaks.) Yes, children, Admiral Dewey won at the 
battle oS Manila Bay. I am so sorry to have to tell 
you of another martyred president; William McKinley 
was a good man and much loved. Columbia, will you 
bring his name and. Teacher, write it? Everybody ap- 
plaud. 

All {cheer). William McKinley! {Applaud.) 
Miss America. William McKinley was succeeded by 
a man who is popular and full of force, who pushed on 
the big Canal of Panama. {Reads.) 

Popular and forceful man. 
He pushed on the great canal 
Of Panama — because he said, 
*' Not shall we— But we shall." 

{Speaks.) Columbia, please bring his name and, 
Teacher, write it. Don't be too eager, children. It is 
Theodore Roosevelt. Now% all together. 

All {cheer). Theodore Roosevelt! {Applaud.) 
Miss America. For a long time, children, men had 
been trying to find the North Pole. I suppose they 
wanted to see where Santa Claus lived, and at last Mr. 
Peary did succeed in reaching it, but I personally w^ould 
rather stay where it's warm, wouldn't you? Now for the 
name of our next president, and it was during his time 
that Peary reached the pole. {Reads.) 



LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 21 

Mr. William Taft came next 
In nineteen hundred nine. 
A worthy name was his to add 
To the presidential line. 

(Speaks.) Miss Columbia, please bring the name and, 

Teacher, write it; everybody applaud. 

All (cheer). William Howard Taft ! (Applaud.) 
Miss America. We are making history in these days, 

children, days of the great world war. We are sorry to 

have war, but we know it is a war for right and justice. 

Our dear boys are in the fight. Our flag will be unfurled 

across our land, from sea to sea, and will wave us to 

victory. (Reads.) 

Mr. Woodrow Wilson is at the helm — 
Nineteen thirteen was his year — 
His steady hand will guide the helm 
To peace and victory dear. 

(Speaks.) Columbia, please bring the name and, 
Teacher, write it. Wait, children, until I give the signal. 
Now, all together. 

All (cheer). Woodrow Wilson ! (Applaud.) 

(A knock is heard at the door. Enter Uncle Sam, 
in costume if possible — if not, the name pinned on 
the breast.) 

Miss America. Welcome, Uncle Sam. 

(The children rise and applaud.) 

Uncle Sam. I have brought you all some flags, so we 
can have a grand patriotic march. 

(Columbia distributes the flags. Music ployed while 
marching later.) 

MARCH 

(At a signal, the children form for a Grand March, 
coming down stage by twos, then one couple going 
R. and one couple going l., alternately, until reaching 



22 LITTLE MISS AMERICA AND THE HAPPY CHILDREN 

hack of the stage, when they come down in fours, 
etc. This is an ordinary grand march figure and 
may he made simple or elaborate hy those zvho are 
doing the drilling. They wave their flags and sing, 
to the tune of " Marching Through Georgia." 
Uncle Sam and America lead the march.) 

All (sing). 

We are the Merry Children 

And we love our History. (Pronounced historee.) 

We do not mind these lessons, 

They are really fun, you see. 

The children of America are happy as can be, 

Because we are marching for freedom. 

Hurrah, hurrah, we'll sound the jubilee. 

Hurrah, hurrah, the flag that makes us free. 

The children of America are as happy as can be 

Because we are marching for freedom. 



CURTAIN 

Note. — This play can he given on platform witJiout 
curtain, and also without extra costumes. It can he given 
as a school entertainment, or as a school lesson — the His- 
tory heing ahsolutely authentic. The play is designed to 
incidcate in the hearts of children, in a happy way, the 
love of American patriots and historical events. 



MASTER PIERRE PATELIN 

A Farce in Three Acts 

Englished from an Early (1464) French Play 

By Dr. Richard T. Holbrook 

Of Bryn Maiur College 

CHARACTERS 
Pierre Patelin, a lawyer. 

GUILLEMETTE, his Wife. 

GuiLLAUME JocEAULME, a draper. 
TiBALT Lambkin, a shepherd. 
The Judge. 

Four males, one female. Costumes of the period, amply suggested bj 
reproductions of contemporary cuts; scenery, very simple and fully ex- 
plained. Plays an hour and a half. A popular edition of this well-known 
French farce for schools. Its literary and historical interest very great, 
it is perfectly actable and absolutely modern in its dramatic appeal to an 
audience, and uproariously funny in its effect if presented with even slight 
skill. Altogether an ideal offering for schools and colleges. Professor 
Holbrook's version, here offered, has been acted with distinguished suc- 
cess at Bryn Mawr College and at The Little Theatre in Philadelphia, 
and a version adapted from the Holbrook text by Professor George P. 
Baker was successfully given at his " Workshop 47 " in Cambridge. 
Strongly recommended. Free of royalty for amateur performance. 
Price ^ ^o cents 

JOLLY PLAYS FOR HOLIDAYS 

A Collection of Christmas Plays for Children 
By Carolyn Wells 

COMPRISING 
The Day Before Christmas. Nine males, eight females. 
A Substitute for Santa Claus. Five males, two females. 
Is Santa Claus a Fraud ? Seventeen males, nine females and chorus. 
The Greatest Day of the Year. Seven males, nineteen females. 
Christmas Gifts of all Nations. Three males, three females and chorus. 
The Greatest Gift. Ten males, eleven females. 

The plays composing this collection are reprinted from " The Ladies' 
Home Journal " of Philadelphia and other popular magazines in answer 
to a persistent demand for them for acting purposes. Miss Wells' work 
requires no introduction to a public already familiar, with her wit, her hu- 
mor and her graceful and abundant fancy, all of which attractive qualities 
are amply exemplified in the above collection. These plays are intended 
to be acted by young people at the Christmas season, and give ample sug- 
gestions for costuming, decoration and other details of stage production. 
These demands are sufficiently elastic in character, however, to make it 
possible to shorten and simplify the performance to accommodate almost 
any stage or circumstances. The music called for is of the simplest and 
most popular sort, such as is to be found in every household and memory, 
This collection can be strongly recommended. 

Frice, cloth, post-paid by mail, 60 cents net 



PETREL, THE STORM CHILD 

A Drama in Three Acts 

By Charles S. Bird 

Eight males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. 

Plays two hours. Petrel Kingman, the adopted daughter of Jabez, a wail 

from the sea, finds in Bob Braxton, a visiting yachtsman, not only a 

husband but the means of ascertaining her real parentage and the recovery 

of her fortune. A strong, simple story with lots of incidental interest and 

humorous character. Another " Among the Breakers." 

PricCy 2^ cents 

CHARACTERS 

Captain Stubbs, a retired skipper. 

Sim Freeman, the consiable at ''Bay View** 

Lem Gale, a sad sea dog. 

Jabez Kingman, keeper of the village store. 

Bob Braxton, a young yacJitsman. 

Harry James, Bob" s chtwi. 

Ezra Green, ahuays biUtin in, 

Mr. Brief, a lawyer. 

Petrel Kingman, daughter of Jabez, but known as Pet, 

Amanda Libby, a spinster, but noi ivillingly. 

Bessie Stubbs, the Captain s daughter^ a/id Pefs friend, 

Mrs. Kingman, wife of Jabez. 

Cecile, a maid. 

Bay View Folks. 

The parts of Lem and Brief may be doubled. 

SAM BO-JAM AND HIS AFRICAN COLONY 

A Negro Farce in lliree Scenes 
By Jay Clay Powers 
Fourteen males, nine females, all originally played by ladies. Cos- 
tumes, negro character and eccentric ; scenery, unimportant. Flays an 
hour with specialties. Sam Bo-Jam turns up at a Negro festivity in Texas 
M'lth a scheme for colonizing Africa, and takes the whole party with him 
to the kingdom of Lukattiankilli where the affair resolves itseU into a first 
class female minstrel show with many novel incidents. 
Price, 75 cents 

AT HOTEL-ON-DE-BLINK 

An Entertainment in Two Parts 
By George P. Seller 
Seven male, two female characters. Costumes, eccentric; scenery, a 
plain interior or none at all. Plays an hour and a half with specialties. 
A laughable sketch introducing a minstrel show. A complete programme 
is given but may be varied or expanded as much as desired. A decided 
novelty that can be recommended. 

Price, 75 cents 



B. yj. Pincro's Plays 

Price, 50 0e ite each 



Min PHANNFI Play in Four Acts. Six males, five females. 
"^ii^'V/nrtllliEiLi Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. 
Plays two and a half hours. 

THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH ll^r%T. 

males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. 
Plays a full evening. 

Top PRnFIir'ATF Play in Four Acts. Seven males, five 
***" 1 I\v/rLil\Jr\.I El females. Scenery, three interiors, rather 
elaborate; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF QrHfini MIQTDFQQ Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, 
ini:i OVnV/V/Liirili31IV£iiJiJ seven females. Costumes, mod- 
ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^lirl2S^Xi 

females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a 
full evening. 

CWpUT I A VFAiriFR Comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, 
OllLtLtl Li/WrillLfLjfV four females. Scene, a single interior, 

costumes, modern. Plavs a full evening. 

THF THTTNnFRRni T Comedy in Four Acts. Ten males, 
lll£i inUlll/ILIVOULil nine females. Scenery, three interi- 
ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF TTA/IF^ comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
***■-' 1 11"I^»J Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays 
a full evening. 

THF WFAITFR ^FY comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, 
inili TT £i/\IV£iI\ uHiA eight females. Costumes, modern; 
scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE Fh"e^mlles,fourfemale8"o 
Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Walttt ^. pafetr Sc Company 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




015 910 157 5 ^ 






AC Vnn I irP it comedy in Fire Acta. Thirteen malea, four 
mS lUU MAli II females. Ck>8tames, picturesque ; scenery, t»> 
fled. Plays a full erening. 

I*AMIITP Drama in Fire Acts. Nine males, fire females. Oos- 
\thBul4UU tumes, modern j scenery, varied. Plays a full erenlng. 

Play in Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. 
Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. 

MADV CTITADT Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fo- 
IilAI\l ^lUAni males, and supernunieraries. Costumes, of the 
period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. 

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE SS,t[^?e?f7ml?2; c'SlJ; 

picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. 

IHCHPT IFn -^^^y ^^ "Fxy^ Acts. Fifteen males, two femjales. Sc«n- 



•renlng. 



ery elaborate \ costumes of the period. Plays a full 



THP DIVAI ^ Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. 
IIII4 nil AI4O Scenery varied; costumes of the period. Plays a 
full evening. 

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER ^S&'SiSZl^^'%.^^ 

rled ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. 

TWELFTH NIGBT; OR, WHAT YOD WILL i°r¥.n'"ml?i'. 

three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a 
full evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

letter i^, "Bafier & Compaiif 

Vo. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



a. J. PARKMILL a CO.. PRINTKR8. •OSTON. U.*.*. 



